pinkbirdflies

Wandered around Marlow and Henley-on-Thames, both with lovely High streets and life based around the river. Henley of course being famous for the annual regatta and everything rowing…. had a coffee and the cafe was filled with young  American women rowers in town for a regatta. Its an interesting time in England as the nation prepares to vote in the up coming referendum in regards to staying in the European Union or not..campaign signs everywhere and people have their preference displayed in their front windows!

Spent a lovely time at the National Trust property “Cliveden” with loads of history and where the “Profumo” affair started…sex, scandal and threats to national security all from a pool party liasion!

As the Thames flows to its estuary it passes through many villages, towns and cities. Along the way there is an amazing system of weirs, locks and canals which the British use extensively with the canalboats, cruisers, sailboats, canoes, rowers and walkers along the old tow paths and many public footways which make it all very accessible. I explored Boulters Lock and Ray Mill island near Maidenhead before driving up the road to Cookham where I saw little sign saying 11 Century church. This resulted in attending the Cookham Church Queens 90th Birthday celebrations with a saxophone ensemble in the church and tea and cake in the parish hall. I was joined for tea by a lovely local parishioner who directed me to the remarkable small gallery of Stanley Spencer.  Being ignorant of this wonderful artist I googled to find out that he was one of Britain’s greatest painters of the twentieth century and Cookham was his beloved home town. It was a great exhibition with “Magnolias” and “Southward” being my favourites.

Picked up “Percy Peugeot” and nervously drove from Gatwick along various motorways with 2 GPS, neither of which was working properly, and somehow miraculously arrived at “Woodland”, Gila’s house in Holyport, near Maidenhead, to start my first house and pet sitting stint. I spent the afternoon and night at The Oakley Court Hotel before Gila welcomed me into her home, showed me around and took me shopping at Waitrose before flying to Australia. Scruffy is a Border Terrier who is very friendly and well behaved. Apple is the ‘purrfect ‘cat, so it will be a lovely experience living like a local for a little while.

A glorious drive through the Essex countryside to the town of Saffron Walden dating in parts from the 12th Century and featuring half timbered tudor style buildings and the largest church in Essex. Thaxted was a lovely town with the Church of St. John the Baptist, a windmill and thatched roof Almshouses…had my first Pimms of the season at The Swan Hotel before continuing on to the picturesque East Bergholt, the birthplace of the Artist John Constable. Explored the National Trust managed Flatford Mill, the setting for 2 of Constable’s famous paintings, The Hay Wain and The Mill Stream. Perfect weather, pretty river Stour, an electric boat trip on the water and a cream tea to top it off. Pure English enjoyment!

Took strain from Liverpool St Station out of London to Rayleigh in Essex where James picked me up and I experienced wonderful hospitality at their home “Endview” on the River Crouch at Hullbridge. Their home is right next to a gorgeous field of wheat and the sun was shining so it was all terribly British and marvellous!

Walked through the city business precinct via Monument and across London Bridge to the South bank of the river Thames. Visited The old operating theatre museum and herb garret hidden away in the attic of the 1703 St. Thomas’ Church and only accessible by a narrow spiral staircase. Fascinating to look at the surgical theatre which was used before the introduction of anaesthetics. The Borough Market was in full swing and selling amazing looking produce…they even had jugs of Pimms ready for me! Walked along the Thames where the tide was coming in fast and strong to the Tate Modern Art Gallery. A few highlights but dare I say I’m glad it was free entry as many exhibits left me a little dazed and confused.

51 years..where to now? First, spend summer in the United Kingdom living, learning and laughing with a Pimms in hand. Ran into Reanna (going to Europe) and Patrick (going to New York). Very excitin…

Source: Time to fly again…

QBIC Hotel…very funky, Brick Lane with its Bangladeshi shops inter mixed with cool cafes, hipsters, Mosque, Brewery, Markets, Vintage wear and a melting pot of people and styles. Spitalfields and the Christ Church Cathedral, revitalised market, Dennis Severs House all bordering the commercial heart of London City with the impressive ‘Gherkin’ high rise.

David and Nito of Seasons of Provence Cooking School allowed us into their lovely home, garden and fabulous kitchen for a cooking lesson and preparation of a wonderful lunch shared in the garden of Mas de Cornud. We spent a leisurely afternoon strolling the streets of a divine French village, a ‘pool party’ at the hotel complete with Louis Roderer Champagne and Rose before our final dinner and farewells.